Leeds Trinity University College

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What constitutes acceptable friction (simple resistance to motion, energy efficiency or energy loss) and acceptable wear (in terms of useful life and reliability) is constantly evolving. This increases the pressure on the science and engineering of tribology to deliver solutions for a growing range of applications. We now strive to examine surfaces and lubricants at a molecular level, using advanced experimental tools and mathematical models, and scale up the observed phenomena and mechanisms to the macroscopic scale of engineering systems. When working at a molecular level the problem becomes truly multidisciplinary with inputs required from engineers, physicists, chemists, material scientists, mathematicians and computer scientists. So collaboration across a wide range of disciplines and across the various stages of technology development, often termed Technology Readiness Levels, is growing. In the future, tribology must become truly integrated in science and engineering across

• Length scales, science from the nano/molecular scale applied to the performance of full scale engineering and biological systems.

• Product lifecycles, from design and conception, through effective monitoring, maintenance and life extension, to recycling and final disposal.

We invite contributions to this debate from all researchers and practitioners in tribology. These may range from original research, carefully positioned in a specific part of this panorama, to broader integrating discussions.